Obviously you know I am going to have an answer to that question which is going to challenge your thinking, because I am going to suggest that your real business is the training and development of people, and that a successful hairdressing salon is the by-product of that.
Let me say that again… ‘Your real business is the training and development of people, and a successful hairdressing salon is the by-product of that.’
So if you are the owner or manager that is what your real job is, ‘to train and develop people’, because you can’t deliver a quality service and build a business without well trained and well motivated people. And that won't happen on it’s own, and if you don’t do that, no one else is going to!
So, if you are the salon owner or manager, ask yourself, ‘How is the work environment in your business designed to help the people who work for you to grow and to learn?’
I don’t just mean to learn about the technical and creative skills of hairdressing, obviously that’s essential. But, to learn about who they are, what they can contribute. Not just as hairdressers, but as people, to understand how the world is changing and what the ever changing skills are that they will need now and in the future, both as hairdressers and as part of a wider community.
If people aren’t growing and being fulfilled within your business then the only option for them is to leave!
I read somewhere once that…
A business is a place of learning – It is “The university of work”
In some businesses people continue learning and growing for the whole of their lives remaining vital, passionate, inquisitive and curious till the end of their days. Whilst others stop learning and growing.
I’m talking about people who – no matter how busy, they seem to be have stopped learning, or even trying. Many of them, are at best, just going through the motions.
Many people, regardless of age, are trapped in fixed attitudes and habits, thinking thoughts and doing things the way they have always done them.
But, self renewal, continual evolvement as hairdressers and as people, is the key to individual and business success. Unfortunately, for many, what holds them back is fear. Fear of failure, fear of change, fear of the unknown.
It doesn’t matter how big or small your team is, but if you take your people on a journey – a journey of discovery – a journey of growth, a journey of change, a journey of constant and never-ending improvement where they are constantly becoming more than they already are, you will be rewarded many times over.
Our businesses are a place of work, but also a place of learning where we must seek to grow and develop our people by constantly challenging them and giving them opportunities to grow and become more.
In order to keep your team and grow, your business must now more than ever look beyond what traditionally motivated people and add meaning to people lives by creating opportunity to grow, learn and contribute. It must be more than just a job.
Remember, as a salon owner or manager your real business is the training and development of people, a successful hairdressing salon is the byproduct.
Coaching Clinic
Brainstorm with your team:
How can we evolve our work environment to help our team learn and grow, not just as hairdressers but as people?
Thank you for watching…
Have a great week!
